reflet

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reflection, glint, highlight, reflection, echo
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/ʁə.flɛ/
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Light, color, or an image returned by a surface, and by extension a visible trace that shows the character or influence of something else.

Examples

  • Le quartier est devenu le reflet des changements sociaux.
    The neighborhood became the reflection of social changes.
  • Son sourire gardait un reflet de tristesse.
    His smile kept a trace of sadness.
  • Le reflet de la lune tremblait sur la rivière.
    The reflection of the moon trembled on the river.
  • On distinguait à peine son reflet dans la vitre sombre.
    His reflection was barely visible in the dark window.
  • Ce film est le reflet d'une époque inquiète.
    This film is the reflection of an anxious era.

Similar words

éclat
image
miroitement
écho
lueur
brillance
image
trace
manifestation
empreinte

Meanings

Reflected light or image

noun
visual
neutral
Light, color, or an image that comes back from a surface such as water, glass, metal, hair, or paint.

Examples

  • Le reflet de la lune tremblait sur la rivière.
    The reflection of the moon trembled on the river.
  • Elle a ajusté le miroir pour éviter un reflet dans ses yeux.
    She adjusted the mirror to avoid a glare in her eyes.
  • Ses cheveux noirs avaient des reflets bleutés sous la lumière.
    Her black hair had bluish highlights in the light.
  • Le peintre a ajouté un reflet doré sur le vase.
    The painter added a golden glint to the vase.
  • On distinguait à peine son reflet dans la vitre sombre.
    His reflection was barely visible in the dark window.

Similar words

Figurative trace or representation

noun
figurative
neutral
A sign, image, or weaker copy that shows the character, feeling, period, or influence behind something.

Examples

  • Ce film est le reflet d'une époque inquiète.
    This film is the reflection of an anxious era.
  • Son sourire gardait un reflet de tristesse.
    His smile kept a trace of sadness.
  • Le quartier est devenu le reflet des changements sociaux.
    The neighborhood became the reflection of social changes.
  • Ce choix n'est qu'un pâle reflet de ses ambitions.
    This choice is only a pale reflection of his ambitions.
  • Le style du livre porte le reflet de ses lectures.
    The style of the book carries the mark of his reading.

Similar words

Etymology

Borrowed through Italian riflesso, from Late Latin reflexus, a noun use of the past participle of reflectere, meaning to bend or turn back.

FAQ

What does reflet mean in French?

reflet means a returned light, color, or image, and it can also mean a figurative trace or representation.

Is reflet masculine or feminine?

reflet is masculine, so the normal singular form is le reflet or un reflet.

How is reflet different from réflexion?

reflet names the visible light or image, while réflexion can name the physical process or a thought.

Can reflet describe hair or color?

Yes. French uses plural reflets for colored highlights, such as des reflets roux or des reflets dorés.

Can reflet be figurative?

Yes. Le reflet de la société means a sign, image, or representation of society.

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